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Car worthy of commendation: the Audi A6

Inspecting Pre-Owned Vehicles: A Comprehensive Guide

,   and  ASMedia
4 min read
Expensive repair costs await if an Audi A6 vehicle encounters mechanical issues, given its...
Expensive repair costs await if an Audi A6 vehicle encounters mechanical issues, given its infrequent malfunctions.

Embrace the Luxury Class: Audi A6 - A Must-Have in Your Garage

Car worthy of commendation: the Audi A6

The Audi A6, a member of the upper mid-range class, offers a driving experience that rivals luxury cars, boasting top-tier characteristics, exquisite sound insulation, impressive equipment, and an extensive engine lineup. It has earned the title of Audi's luxury class, as reflected in the "Auto Bild TÜV-Report 2025." The Audi A6 is highly recommended as a reliable used car choice.

Timeline of Elegance: A Brief History of the Audi A6

  • The fourth generation premiered in 2011, with updates in 2014, such as design enhancements, expanded features, revised engines, and new transmission.
  • In 2018, the fifth generation of the Audi A6 made its debut, followed by a facelift in 2023, with production ending in 2025.

A6: More Than Just a Car - Variants and Tricks to Know

The Audi A6 comes primarily as a five-door estate, though four-door sedans and the rarer coupe (labeled A7) can be found. Allroad variants of the estate offer enhanced ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and off-road styling. The powerful S6 and RS6 sport models are also available.

Dimensions: Spacious and Practical

  • C7 (4th Generation): Length: 4.92 to 4.98 m, Width: 1.87 to 1.94 m, Height: 1.44 to 1.47 m; Boot volume: Sedan: 375 to 850 l (full hybrid); Estate: 565 to 1680 l (full hybrid)
  • C8 (5th Generation): Length: 4.93 to 5.00 m, Width: 1.89 to 1.95 m, Height: 1.46 to 1.47 m; Boot volume: Sedan: 360 l (plug-in hybrid); Estate: 405 to 1535 l (plug-in hybrid)

The Bargain That Pays off: Best Deals on Electric Audi Models

Despite some components that may give trouble, the Audi A6 generally excels in terms of drive shafts, steering system, and steering joints. Additionally, components within the lighting and braking chapters are almost flawless.

Caveats to Consider: Potential Troubles with the 5th Generation Audi A6

However, there are exceptions to note:

  • Axle suspensions, springs, and dampers tend to fail in the fifth generation A6 starting from the fifth MOT (Maintenance and Inspection Test).
  • The dipped beam can become misaligned with age.
  • Exhaust systems, especially for fifth-gen A6s, are disproportionately often defective from the third MOT onwards.
  • The fifth generation experience noticeable oil loss from the engine and transmission at the first check.

Engines: Power and Efficiency in One Package

  • Fourth Generation: Gasoline (4 to 8 cylinders, Front/All-Wheel Drive): 132 kW/180 PS to 445 kW/605 PS; Diesel (4 to 6 cylinders, Front/All-Wheel Drive): 110 kW/136 PS to 240 kW/326 PS; Hybrid (4 Cylinder + Electric Motor, Front-Wheel Drive): 180 kW/245 PS System Power.
  • Fifth Generation: Gasoline (4 to 8 cylinders, Front/All-Wheel Drive): 180 kW/245 PS to 463 kW/630 PS; Diesel (4 to 6 cylinders, Front/All-Wheel Drive): 120 kW/163 PS to 257 kW/349 PS; Plug-in Hybrid (4 Cylinder + Electric Motor, Front-Wheel Drive): System Power 220 kW/299 PS and 270 kW/367 PS

Insights from German Automobile Trust (DAT): Dealer Resale Values and Expected Mileage

  • A6 Avant 2.0 TDI (6/2014); 100 kW/136 PS (4 Cylinder); 199,000 km; 10,406 Euros
  • A6 45 3.0 TDI quattro basic (6/2019); 170 kW/231 PS (6 Cylinder); 120,000 km; 27,204 Euros
  • A6 Avant 2.8 FSI quattro (6/2014); 150 kW/204 PS (6 Cylinder); 166,000 km; 12,357 Euros

Additional Tips for Audi A6 Buyers

When considering a used Audi A6, especially the fifth generation, be aware of common issues that may lead to unexpected repair costs:

  • Faulty PSM (Porsche Stability Management) System: Approximately 15% of vehicles, repair costing around $1200.
  • Transmission Issues: Transmission slipping, hesitation, or unusual noises in 12% of cases, repairs costing roughly $800.
  • Electrical Issues with Hybrid System: Affects 10% of plug-in hybrid models, repairs estimated at $600.
  • Adaptive Cruise Control Malfunctions: Occur in about 9% of vehicles, repairs costing around $700.
  • Rear Window Liftgate Motor Failures: Reported in 8% of cases, repair cost near $500.
  • Seat Heating/Cooling System Problems: 7% occurrence, repair estimated at $400.
  • LED Headlight Problems: Affect about 6% of these cars, with repair costs approximately $600.

To ensure a smooth purchasing process, consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with Audi’s systems to identify potential problem areas and minimize unexpected repair costs.

  1. Vehicles of heading 8702, such as the Audi A6, are integral parts of many lifestyles, offering characteristics that make them a must-have in garages.
  2. When considering older models of the Audi A6, one may find audis with characteristics dating back to the 2011 fourth generation, while more recent models may originate from the 2018 fifth generation.
  3. Owning a used Audi A6 provides advantages in terms of car-maintenance, as components like drive shafts, steering systems, and steering joints generally show fewer issues compared to others.
  4. It is essential for potential Audi A6 buyers, especially those considering the fifth generation, to be aware of potential troubles, such as axle suspensions, springs, and dampers that may require replacement starting from the fifth MOT.
  5. Being well-informed about the Audi A6's engine lineup can help prospective buyers in making an educated choice, as the fifth generation offers characteristics like gasoline engines with power ranging up to 463 kW/630 PS.

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